How to make Hot Cross Buns (Video)

Hot Cross Buns are a sweet, spiced bun made with currants or raisins and marked with a cross on the top, traditionally eaten on Good Friday. The cross stands as a symbol of the Crucifixion, the rising of the dough – symbolizing the resurrection. They are believed by some to pre-date Christianity, although the first recorded use of the term “hot cross bun” was not until 1733! They are particularly prevalent in England & Ireland.

But they can be enjoyed not just as part of Easter, but all of the spring! Below you will find the recipe, and a video tutorial!

Perhaps you remember the childhood rhyme?

Hot cross buns!
Hot cross buns!
One ha’ penny, two ha’ penny,
Hot cross buns!
If you have no daughters,
Give them to your sons
One ha’ penny,
Two ha’ penny,
Hot Cross Buns!
Good Friday come this month, the old woman runs
With one or two a penny hot cross buns!

Here is how you make the recipe!

Ingredients

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for bowl and baking sheet
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons plus one pinch salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
5 1/2 cups all-purpose, flour plus more for dusting
1 1/3 cups currants
1 large egg white
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Cook Buns:

– Mix Eggs, butter, nutmeg, cinnamon, dry yeast, milk, sugar & flour. After it’s bread consistency- work in raisins.

– Bake in an oven, at to 375 degrees, with rack positioned in center.

– To make egg wash, whisk together egg white, 1 tablespoon water, and pinch of salt in a small bowl; brush tops of buns with egg wash.

– Using very sharp scissors or a buttered slicing knife, slice a cross into the top of each bun. Transfer pan to oven, and bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool.
– Make glaze – whisk together 1 tablespoon milk, confectioners sugar, and lemon juice. Pipe or ladle glaze over buns, and serve!

Enjoy!